View full sizeJohn Munson/The Star-LedgerMegan Curham took down the course record with a time of 17:50.1.

Villa Walsh's Megan Curham continued her impressive season, running a course record of 17:50 to win the Prep B race at the Prep Championships at Blair Academy yesterday in Blairstown.

"I was really excited about the time," Curham said. "It was my goal all season. At first it was to get really low in the 18s, but I really wanted to break 18 by the end of the season."

Curham had not run a race in three weeks and said she was not sure what to think heading into the race.

"I was a little nervous because I wasn't sure if I was still going to be used to racing," Curham said. "But when I got out there, it felt good, so I just went with it."

The Prep B race also featured a tight team battle, with Gill St. Bernard's topping Villa Walsh, 31-33.

"The team is coming around nicely at the right time," head coach Dave DeWolfe said. "We had several setbacks throughout the year. Some key runners today weren't even racing, so it goes to show you others are willing to step up into roles."

The Gill St. Bernard's pack of Dana Klein, Emily Quinn, and Alexandra Benoit finished second, third, and fourth, respectively, to lead the team.

In the Prep A race, Mount St. Mary's Kerry Dyke led her team to a first-place finish, running an 18:37 to win the individual title as well.

Mount St. Mary head coach Matthew Dipretore said the team surpassed his expectations.

"I was kind of expecting two or three girls in the top 10, but we had four," Dipretore said. "The girls are sharp right now. A lot of the girls ran [personal records], so I think we'll be good for Saturday."

Saturday is the Group Championships at Holmdel Park, which Dyke said she feels more prepared for after Tuesday's race.

"I would have been a freak case for Groups if I didn't get this race," Dyke said. "So it's really a blessing we could get this race in."